A 19-year-old man has been arrested for killing a suspected paedophile priest by ramming a crucifix down his throat and suffocating him. 

Alexandre V., who is alleged to have been abused by the priest, attacked the 91-year-old Catholic Roger Matassoli while working at the holy figure's home in Agnetz, Oise, northern France.

Alexandre, whose full name has not been published, was arrested while he tried to escape in the father's car and charged with torture, murder and resisting arrest.

Matassoli had been accused of sexually abusing at least four boys, including Alexandre and Alexandre's father, between 1960 and 2000.

The priest had to be shifted from the diocese of Clermont in 1967, and the diocese of Saint-Andre-Farivillers by 1984 before being sent to live in Agnetz due to allegations of paedophilia, Franceinfo reports.

And yet he remained on the church's payroll until 2018. 

The priest was found dead by officers with signs of torture on his body and appearing to have suffered asphyxiation at his home on November 4.

However, the attacker wasn't formally charged until December 26 as he was transferred to hospital due to psychiatric problems.